Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
Invasive Animal

Northern pike

Esox lucius

About This Species

Northern pike are native to northeast BC and are common throughout Quebec, Ontario, the Prairie provinces, and northern territories. They have been introduced in many regions as stock for sport fishing and are spreading into southern BC. 

Northern pike is a predator of smaller fish and is fiercely territorial. Northern pike has been known to deplete prey species from waterways, pushing out local large fish and collapsing food webs. Northern pike are designated as a Regional Containment/Control species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List. 

How to Identify

Northern pike can grow up to 133 cm long, making them the largest invasive freshwater fish in BC. They have a pointed head, a dark back with many small white spots, and a silver belly. Their dorsal fin starts far down the back, almost in line with the anal fin. 

Take Action

Prevention is the best approach.

PREVENTION TIPS

 

It is illegal to move fish between waterways in BC. The use of live finfish as bait is strictly prohibited in BC.

Don't Let it Loose

Don't Let It Loose

Learn about best practices

Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers!

Clean, Drain, Dry

Learn about best practices

The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment.

REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY

Use the app

Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity

Report through this website

Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.

CONTACT INFORMATION

INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.
Please include photos of the suspected species to help potential identification by experts.
Please be specific and give us an address if possible.